Chapter 9

Aurora's pov

The elder's eyes sparkled with warmth as she took my hands in hers. "I know it can't be easy for you, being a stranger in a new place," she said. "But I want you to know that you're welcome here. We may not know much about you, but we're willing to learn."

I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the elder. She seemed kind and genuine, and I found myself trusting her instinctively.

The guard who had brought me to the market cleared his throat, reminding me that he was still there. "I'll leave you two to talk," he said. "But ma'am, don't forget that you're still under the alpha's protection. You need to be careful."

The elder nodded, her expression serious. "Don't worry, I'll make sure she's safe," she said.

The guard nodded and left, leaving the elder and me alone. The elder turned to me, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Now, child, tell me about yourself," she said. "What brings you to our pack?"

I hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But something about the elder's kind eyes put me at ease, and I found myself opening up to her. 

I wrote words that I could remember, which was the truth this time, as I couldn't help but feel like I was lying to her. But she stopped me, placing her palm on the paper I was writing on.

"What about the pregnancy?" the elder asked in a low, tone voice. "For how long do you think you would hide it?"

I looked at her in a strange, surprised expression, rubbing my tummy as I moved away from her.

"You can't fool me, my child," the elder said. "And remember, I am also a woman. How would you think hiding the child from everyone in this city is truly protecting the child?"

I wrote, "This is the only way I would be able to protect my child."

The elder's expression turned serious. "You would at least tell the alpha, because he would eventually know. And how would you think he would feel if he discovers by himself?"

I dropped my pen and paused to think. I could really understand the words of the elder, which were true. Sooner or later, I wouldn't be able to hide the pregnancy. But for the safety of the child inside me, I would still keep it a secret for now.

"My child, you know what you are doing is quite dangerous," the elder said, holding me as she squeezed my hands tight.

I waved off her hand as I picked up my pen. "I would tell the alpha, but not now," I wrote.

The elder's expression turned solemn, and she nodded slowly. "I understand," she said. "But please, be careful. The alpha is not a patient man, and if he finds out that you've been keeping this secret from him, he may not take it well."

I nodded, feeling a sense of unease. I knew that I was taking a risk by keeping my pregnancy a secret, but I felt like I had no other choice. I couldn't trust anyone, not even the alpha, with the safety of my child.

The elder seemed to sense my unease, and she placed a gentle hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry, child," she said. "I will do everything in my power to help you and your child. But you must promise me that you will be careful, and that you will come to me if you need anything."

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards the elder. She was the first person in this pack who had shown me kindness and understanding.

As I stood up to leave, the elder handed me a small pouch. "Take this," she said. "It's a herbal remedy that will help you with your pregnancy. And remember, if you need anything, don't hesitate to come to me."

I took the pouch, feeling a sense of relief. Maybe, just maybe, I had found a true ally in this pack.

I left the elder's hut, feeling a sense of hope that I hadn't felt in a long time. As I walked back to my quarters, I couldn't help but think about the elder's words. She was right, I couldn't keep my pregnancy a secret forever. But for now, it was the only way I could protect my child.

As I approached my quarters, I saw the guard who had been assigned to me, standing outside my door. He nodded at me as I approached, his expression neutral.

"Everything okay?" he asked, his voice firm but polite.

I nodded, not wanting to engage in conversation. I was still feeling a bit overwhelmed from my conversation with the elder.

The elder nodded and stepped aside, allowing me to enter my quarters. I closed the door behind me, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

As I sat down on my bed, I couldn't help but think about the elder's words. She had said that I couldn't keep my pregnancy a secret forever, and that I needed to be careful. I knew she was right, but I was scared. Scared of what might happen if the alpha found out about my pregnancy. Scared of what might happen to my child.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I knew I had to be strong, for my child's sake. I would do whatever it took to protect my child, even if it meant keeping my pregnancy a secret forever.

As I sat on my bed, lost in thought, I heard a knock at the door. I got up to answer it, expecting it to be Ryder or maybe even the elder again. But to my surprise, it was the alpha himself.

"May I come in?" he asked, his voice firm but polite.

I nodded, stepping aside to let him in. He entered my quarters, his eyes scanning the room before settling on me.

"I wanted to check on you," he said. "I know my beta can be... intense. I apologize if he's made you feel uncomfortable."

I shook my head, not wanting to cause any trouble. But the alpha's eyes narrowed, as if he knew I was hiding something.